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Diocese Stands with the Vulnerable:
Hundreds Support Parishioner Called to ICE Field Office
More than 500 people in the interfaith community turned out yesterday to support Blanca, an immigrant from Honduras who attends Saint Peter’s-St. Pedro in Salem, who was called to a hearing at the ICE field office in Burlington. Bishop Julia Whitworth led a moving prayer for Blanca. Clergy and laity from the diocese, along with other supporters, prayed, sang, and stood with Blanca.
Blanca thanked the community for its faith and support, and said: “I am a human being worthy of love, care and dignity…I am scared but I am not silent. God chose me to speak on behalf of the millions of Blancas.”
After a short meeting with ICE agents, Blanca was told that she would be able to stay in the United States for another year.
The vigil was organized by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts, Matahari Women Workers Center, Neighbor 2 Neighbor, Essex County Community Organization, UU Mass Action, Episcopal City Mission, and Welcome Immigrant Network.
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Expanded Agenda for Convention includes Keynote, Workshops, and Evening of Fun
Join us for Convention, November 14 and 15 in Burlington! Our expanded agenda includes the following on Friday:
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- A keynote by the Most Rev. Melissa Skelton, most recently bishop provisional in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia (full bio), on developing congregations.
- Workshops on a variety of topics directly relevant to our diocesan priorities.
- Opportunities to deepen our connections during Friday dinner and evening fun.
Saturday will feature the bishop's address and convention business.
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“We have extended Convention into a two-day event in order to gather and deepen our bonds as a community of faith, learning, and love,” says Bishop Julia Whitworth.
Workshops will be held Friday on the following topics:
- Stewardship Fundamentals for Small- and Medium-Sized Parishes
- Explore Invite-Welcome-Connect
- We Stand with the Vulnerable
- Managing Church Property for Mission
- Exploring Anglican Identity: An Interactive Workshop
- Keys to Faith Formation
- Stronger Together: Building Collaborative Parishes
- Communities of Care: Building Support with LGBTQIA+ Youth & Adults
| | Visioning 2025: Diocese Presents Core Values, Revised Mission Statement, and Priorities | | |
After months of surveys, listening sessions, and discernment, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts presents its new core values, mission statement, and strategic priorities to guide the diocese’s work in coming years. The outcomes of the visioning process are outlined in:
- These slides: English, Spanish
- This conversation between Bishop Julia E. Whitworth and Canon to the Ordinary Chris Wendell elaborating on the values, mission statement, and priorities, and their implications for our diocese:
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These materials are the culmination of an extensive process that involved gathering input from more than 1,000 members of our community over the past few years. They build on the work of the Bishop Search Process in 2023/2024, the Holy Cow Landscape Assessment Survey in 2024/2025, and the professionally facilitated listening sessions in March 2025. The diocese’s Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and Diocesan Staff all provided thoughtful input and review during the drafting process.
“The Holy Spirit has been working in all of us to reveal new directions for our becoming faithful witnesses to Christ in our communities,” says Bishop Whitworth. “I hope that these values, mission, and priorities will offer inspiration and challenge as we shape our common life together in the years to come. Thank you to all who contributed their wisdom and experience to this important visioning effort.”
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Guidance for Congregations as ICE Increases its Presence
As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increases its efforts to detain immigrants in Massachusetts and the federal government has filed a lawsuit against the City of Boston for its sanctuary policies, the diocese has been getting a number of questions regarding how to respond if ICE visits congregations. The following is guidance, as well as resources, to help congregations navigate a potential ICE visit.
“Everyone has a right to gather as people of faith regardless of where they were born or their status,” says The Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, Canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministries. “We are responding to Jesus’ call to welcome everyone, and at the same time there is a new policy that we need to follow—specifically stating that houses of worship are no longer considered ‘protected places’ that ICE will not enter. Despite the change in policy, there are still constitutional rights that apply in these situations.”
Guidance for preparing and responding:
- Develop a policy for responding to ICE or Homeland Security. See this sample.
- Define and mark private and public spaces. See this guidance and sample policy.
- Develop a privacy and information-sharing policy. See sample.
- If possible, protect the vulnerable in a private space at the church. Ask the ICE representative to present a warrant. You are only legally required to allow ICE officers into private spaces within your building if they have a judicial—not ICE—warrant. See this guidance on discerning if the ICE representative is presenting a judicial warrant.
- Don’t resist agents at your congregation or if you are participating in a vigil for someone who has been called to an ICE facility.
- Those who are vulnerable should have a lawyer to guide and represent them, as well as written documentation of who should care for their children, etc. if they are detained. If members of your community need counsel, they can reach out to Massachusetts Organizations - National Immigration Legal Services Directory - Immigration Advocates Network
Resources to consult:
“We invite everyone in our diocese to be together during this difficult time, to stand with those who are vulnerable, those who are being threatened—because together we can make a difference through praying and support,” says Canon Ntagengwa.
For more information, reach out to Canon Ntagengwa at jbntagenwa@diomass.org and/or join monthly calls with The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries; these calls address immigration updates and are held on Tuesdays at 1 pm, starting in October. Register here.
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Youth Ministry Takes on New Life at Diocese
Following a quiet period in Youth Ministry at the diocese during and post COVID, the ministry is in full force again, planning and executing a wide range of programs, retreats, and confirmation preparation. Check out some of our recent developments and upcoming opportunities:
- Diocesan Youth Leadership Council (DYLC): Seven high schoolers, representing a range of communities and interests, were recently selected for DYLC. Members participate in leadership development, plan and attend retreats, gather for seasonal parties, and do service in communities. Congratulations to the following new members: Madeleine Boudreau, Marissa Cherduville, Liam Fuller, Emily Morgan, Anorah Roberts, Anjeli Rodriguez, Linnea Shannon, and Juliet Stewart.
- New Formation Website: The diocese recently launched a new faith formation website that serves as the hub for all formation opportunities—including events, trainings, resources, campus ministry, and more. Check it out! This site will be updated regularly.
- Upcoming Retreats: DYLC will have its first retreat of the year on September 27. Youth from across the diocese are invited to come to the Barbara C. Harris (BCH) Camp and Conference Center for a youth retreat and work weekend, October 24-26. During the BCH retreat, the DYLC will also plan for Convention and upcoming events, and engage in leadership training. Check the formation site for details and to register.
“The entire church benefits when we have an active youth ministry and the voices of this generation are lifted up, creating new perspectives in our communities,” says the Rev. Shannon Kelly, interim missioner for Youth and Young Adult Formation. “My role is to support youth ministry at the local level and open up other opportunities at the diocesan level that will broaden youth ministry members’ faith life. It is such an honor to be with youth in our diocese and I look forward to a year of rich experiences.”
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Series of Events Scheduled to Mark 350th Anniversary of Metacomet’s Resistance
The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts are hosting a series of events this fall to mark the 350th anniversary of the beginning of Metacomet’s Resistance (King Philip's War) and the expulsion of Native people to Deer Island. These experiences of learning, holy listening, place, and presence will be guided by Native neighbors from multiple tribes and bands native to the lands on which we live and worship.
The offerings are part of a broader call made by Bishops Fisher and Whitworth in their joint letter calling for us to become active allies with Native people across the Commonwealth.
“These events present an incredible opportunity to learn from the Natives and hear about their experiences,” says The Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, canon for Immigration and Multicultural Ministries. “I suspect the conversations will be humbling and enlightening, helping us to view these historical events with more perspective and deepen our understanding of the irreparable harm done to Native people, lands and culture.”
Highlights of Events
Check the diocese website for details on each event, including registration.
- Sunday Worship October 12
Local worshiping communities are encouraged to set October 12 aside as A Day of Remembrance and Lamentation for the anguish caused by the expulsion, enslavement, and genocide of Native people across our Commonwealth. Liturgical resources are available to assist in planning your local liturgy.
October 13, 9 am-5 pm, registration required
Join us for a sacred journey from Natick to Deer Island—the internment site where hundreds of Native people from the “praying towns” died from exposure and starvation in the winter of 1675-1676. This spiritual experience of place, presence, and still reflection will be guided by Native neighbors, supported by Episcopal communities, and include the bishops of both the Diocese of Massachusetts and the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.
Preparation for Deer Island Journey offers details on what to expect from the sacred journey as well as information on early contact between Native peoples and English colonists and the clashes leading up to Metacomet’s Resistance/King Philip’s War.
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First Welcome Wagon Event for Priests New to Diocese a Success
On September 3, Bishop Julia Whitworth and the regional canons hosted the diocese’s first Welcome Wagon gathering—a year-long, four-session program to help orient newly arriving priests into the life of our diocese and build community. After lunch, Bible study, and the delivery of information about diocese offerings, the group toured the diocesan offices, met staff, and visited the Cathedral at 138 Tremont Street.
The following are impressions from a few who participated:
“I am new to the diocese and wanted to make connections with colleagues, the bishop, and regional canons,” says Rev. Jennifer Zogg, rector at St. Christopher’s in Chatham. “I had a wonderful day. It was informative, warm, and everything I suspect the diocese had hoped for. It was great to be with the bishop and regional canons—all in one room—and it was nice to meet all of the staff in the office. People were so welcoming and it was clear that they wanted to get to know us.”
“It was a wonderful experience because I am new to the diocese, and from another country,” says Rev. Gustavo Galeano, priest in charge at St. Stephen’s in Lynn, who recently came from Honduras to serve in the diocese. “For me, the Bible reflection and meeting diocese staff were highlights of the day, as well as the bishop underscoring that she is there to support us—providing us with her phone number. It is important to know that I have a pastor to reach out to if I need help.”
Both Rev. Zogg and Rev. Galeano highly recommend the program to other new priests; Rev. Zogg says she traveled an hour by car and an hour by train each way to attend and “it was well worth my day.” Welcome Wagon events will happen at various locations around the diocese in late October, February and May. Check the diocese calendar for details.
| | Canon Wendell and Bishop Whitworth with members of St. Paul's in Bedford where Rev. Wendell served as rector. | | |
The Rev. Chris Wendell Installed as Canon to the Ordinary
A large crowd of clergy and laity gathered at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston on September 7 for an Evensong to install the Rev. Chris Wendell as Canon to the Ordinary. Canon Tina Pickering, Canon Wendell’s counterpart from the Episcopal Church in New Hampshire, offered a message of encouragement for this new season of visioning and trust-building in our diocesan life. Framing her homily around the difference between "throwing stones" and "moving big rocks," she lifted up the centrality of trusting in God's good work among us as a diocesan community, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of a "world desperate for hope and healing."
“Chris+ is a well-known priest of this diocese, and his tremendous gifts of intelligence, faithfulness, optimism, kindness, and strategy are already shining through in his work as both chief of staff and CTO,” says Bishop Julia Whitworth. “I am so grateful that he said yes to taking on this calling.”
Watch the beautiful service of Evensong.
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St. Luke’s Chapel St. John St. James Church Preserved and Re-Opened
The congregation of St. John St. James Church recently gathered in St. Luke’s chapel in Roxbury after several years of leaving the neighborhood because water damage rendered Ionic Hall unusable. St. Luke’s, a historically significant building designed by Ralph Adams Cram, underwent a substantial
| | Courtesy of Historic Boston, Inc. | | |
renovation through a partnership among St. John St. James, the diocese, and Historic Boston Incorporated, Spencer Preservation, and the City of Boston through the Community Preservation Act.
Read about the renovation project on Historic Boston Inc.’s website, and about the restoration of a reredos in St. Luke’s in this blog post by Decorative Arts Conservator Wenda Kochanowski.
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Ema Rosero-Nordalm Forward Day by Day Author for September
A member of our community—Ema Rosero-Nordalm—was selected as author of Forward Day by Day for September. Distributed to 200,000 each quarter, Forward Day by Day is designed to “support ordinary Christians in their everyday journeys as followers of Jesus.” Born in Tumaco, Colombia, Nordalm retired from Boston University, where she trained students in methods for teaching Spanish as a second language. As a deacon and missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries, she has served especially the Latino community, empowering women, creating training and mentorship programs, and focusing on social and racial justice. Read her daily contributions to Forward Day by Day.
| | Streetcar Madonna, Courtesy of the Allan Rohan Crite Research Institute and Library | |
Allan Rohan Crite Exhibitions at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Athenaeum this Fall
Artwork by Allan Rohan Crite (1910-2007), who was an active member of St. Stephen’s, Boston, will be on display from October 23, 2025-January 19, 2026, in concurrent exhibitions at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Boston Athenaeum, Allan Rohan Crite: Urban Glory and Allan Rohan Crite: Griot of Boston, respectively. With a career spanning most of the 20th century, Crite devoted himself to depicting the multicultural, multiracial, and multigenerational community in Boston. His works ranged from vivid oil paintings documenting everyday life to prints and watercolors of spiritual themes.
A lifelong Episcopalian, Crite illustrated liturgical artworks for St. Stephens, St. John St. James, and other churches in the region, often depicting blacks in interpretations of biblical stories and African American spirituals. In this oral history in the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art, Crite comments on the role of faith and liturgy in his artwork: “It was very useful, because it gave me a framework of discipline within which to do my work. So I used that, for example, as the frame of discipline to illustrate the spirituals, by making use of the liturgy, the vestments, and everything like that—using the vestments and appurtenances as, you might say, a vocabulary.”
| | The Gospel procession during the Sept. 13 Eucharist at the Coop Marena Beach Resort in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. Episcopal bishops and about 800 Dominican Episcopalians worshiped together as part of the House of Bishops’ Sept. 10-15 gathering. Photo: Courtesy of Frank Logue | | |
As House adjourns, bishops reflect on ‘inspiring’ gathering in the Dominican Republic [Episcopal News Service — Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic] After visiting several mission sites in the Santo Domingo-based Diocese of the Dominican Republic, engaging in conversations on The Episcopal Church’s role in today’s society and worshiping alongside some 800 Dominican Episcopalians, Episcopal bishops and their spouses are leaving their fall gathering with a “sense of what the expressions of the local church are.”
“We have a lot to learn from dioceses that are part of The Episcopal Church but are outside the context of the United States,” Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe told Episcopal News Service in a Sept. 14 interview. “I think there’s a lot for us to learn from the Dominican Republic, which has a tremendous ministry of schools and churches and hospitals. This is instructive for us. I think it’s been a surprise to people the level to which the church is relevant to the culture of the Dominican Republic.” Read the full story.
Faith leaders bring ethical concerns, curiosity to AI debate at multi-denominational conference [Episcopal News Service – Minneapolis, Minnesota] Some of the most tech-forward minds in the Protestant church gathered here this week at the Faithful Futures conference, where participants wrestled with the ethical, practical and spiritual implications of artificial intelligence. The Episcopal Church is one of four Protestant denominations that hosted the Sept. 2-5 conference. About halfway through, one of the moderators acknowledged that AI has advanced so far and so rapidly that most conferences on AI are no longer focused just on AI.
The increasingly pervasive technology is generating increasingly pointed debates: Can AI be harnessed to supercharge efficiency? Will AI worsen economic inequality? Are we treading an ethical minefield by embracing experimental tools developed by profit-driven corporations? How should we respond to the ecological impact of AI’s need for vast computing power? And how serious is the threat that AI “hallucinations” could harm users’ sense of reality or even cause them to harm themselves? Read the article.
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Episcopal News Service Massachusetts Episcopalians rally behind immigrant church member before ICE appointment More than 500 people attended an event September 16 at ICE's Burlington, MA, office to support Blanca Martinez, an immigrant from Honduras who attends St. Peter's-San Pedro Episcopal Church, before she met with immigration officials. Read the article.
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Religion News Service She came to her ICE check-in backed by an Episcopal bishop and 500 supporters Many faith groups are accompanying immigrants to ICE check-ins. On September 16, Blanca Martinez of Salem, MA, was accompanied by Bishop Julia Whitworth and 500 supporters to Burlington, MA, where she had an appointment at a regional ICE center. Read the article.
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The Bay State Banner St. Cyprian’s marks 100 years as Roxbury’s Black Episcopal anchor St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church in Roxbury celebrates the 100th anniversary of its building with events on September 13 and 14. “The church stands as a century-old symbol of faith and community for Boston’s Black and West Indian residents.” Read the article about the church’s history and contributions to the community.
| | Check out the wide range of events, retreats, and meetings coming up this fall! | | Stay connected with our diocesan community: | | | | |
